Colombo: India’s final net session focuses on spin and reverse swing
The Indian cricket team concluded its final net session in Colombo with a strong emphasis on preparing for spin and reverse swing conditions. The session, held under the sun, saw players meticulously follow a plan designed to simulate match conditions ahead of the upcoming series.
The team arrived daily at the NCC Ground in Colombo for six days, combining multi-day fixtures and net sessions at varying times to ensure thorough preparation. The squad is scheduled to travel to Galle on August 11 for the series opener, which begins on August 15, and will have three additional sessions before the first match at the Galle International Stadium.
Net Session Details
Upon arrival, Sarfaraz Khan, who joined the squad as a replacement, exchanged greetings before the session commenced. Head coach Gautam Gambhir observed the proceedings from a vantage point as batters, following the expected batting order for Galle, rotated to maintain focus and break monotony. The spin quartet of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, and Saransh Jain handled the majority of the bowling. Auqib Nabi was the sole fast bowler participating, as other pacers like Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar, and Prasidh Krishna were rested after the multi-day fixture.
The pitch used for the session resembled a Day 4 surface from the warm-up game that concluded on Sunday. It was dry with cracks, and batting from only one end made conditions progressively challenging, mirroring a Test match environment. The session incorporated a variety of balls, including old, new, and semi-new ones, to prepare batters for different scenarios.
Captain Shubman Gill, aware that one fast bowler would not suffice for adequate practice, moved to the practice nets with throwdown specialists and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. The focus for Gill was to face a new ball and two older balls, specifically preparing for reverse swing. He faced numerous deliveries, largely maintaining control despite some balls rising unexpectedly or staying low. Gill later joined Devdutt Padikkal at the centre wicket.
Every Indian batter took time to adapt to the roughened surface, eventually flexing their hitting towards the end of their turn. The session, lasting over three hours, featured solid defences, tentative prods, and a mix of sweeps and reverse-sweeps, alongside moments of banter.
Squad Updates and Player Preparations
Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka due to a right toe stress reaction, as confirmed by the BCCI on Sunday, August 9. The 24-year-old’s absence adds to India’s injury list, which also includes Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar for the two-Test series. Sarfaraz Khan, who has played six Tests for India, has been named as his replacement in the squad.
Despite Sudharsan’s absence, Devdutt Padikkal’s performance at No.3 in the warm-up match has provided reassurance for the team. In his last Test appearance, Sudharsan scored 81 runs in a victory against Afghanistan.
Captain Shubman Gill, who did not bat in the first innings of the tour game against Sri Lanka Cricket XI, returned for the second innings, scoring 44 runs off 54 deliveries. India’s spin bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, stated that Gill is ready to lead the team for the first Test. Bahutule clarified that Gill’s absence from the first innings was a precaution, and he has been training and is in good condition.
During the net session, Ravindra Jadeja displayed a new bat sticker inspired by his pet horse, while Sarfaraz Khan showed off his improved fitness. Padikkal and KL Rahul, both from Bengaluru, were seen enjoying each other’s company. The massage table was frequently used, with almost every player receiving a stretch after their session.
The series is significant for both India and Sri Lanka’s WTC final prospects, with the teams currently holding fifth and sixth positions in the standings, respectively. India has a point percentage of 48.15, while Sri Lanka has 41.67. The first Test is scheduled from August 15-19 in Galle, followed by the second Test from August 23-27 in Colombo.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
